Vancouver welcomes Hozier with open arms at sold out Commodore Show

When 24 year old Andrew Hozier-Byrne first popped onto the scene in 2013 with his single "Take Me to Church" debuting on YouTube, the video went viral. Racking up near 14 million views, and launching Hozier into an overnight sensation. This Ireland native uses metaphores of love and sex in comparison with ones faith and religion to tell a love story. A beautifully mastered song, married with an even larger message in the video, as a social commenatary supporting LGBT community after the backlash in Russia over a gay coupling. It was a huge win for LGBT rights as well as an amazing introduction to this sensitive soul.

Taking the stage on Monday night at the sold out Commodore Ballroom accompanied by his four-person band and two back up singers acquired in Nashville, Hozier's gentle presence and powerful voice were the ideal pairing. Starting off the show with "Like Real People Do", the audience seemed to know every word, a trend that continued throughout the entire show, and they even supported Hozier as he forgot some lyrics.

Hozier's range of talents was emulated in up beat tracks such as "Jackie and Wilson", "Someone New", and an amazing bluesy cover of "Illinois Blues". He played four different variations of guitar, and masterfully picked for these up tempo songs, that had the whole crowd dancing and singing away to the southern vibe. He made an easy transition into a traditional Irish melody feel in such tracks as "To Be Alone", "Eden" and "Work Song" . He really brought it home with "In A Week" accompanied by his cellist Alana Henderson, who's vocal pairing had the whole crowd hooting and hollering in support for more.

Hozier performed solo as well, with only a guitar and a cup of tea strapped to his mic, the beautiful ballad "Cherry Wine" that had the whole crowd singing along, as his vast vocal range filled the Commodore's acoustics masterfully.

Hozier is set to come back to Vancouvers' Orphieum Theater on February 15 2015.